Online publishers demand release of Investigator journalists
- Written by The Observer Team
Below is a statement from the Online Media Publishers Association (OMPA) on the arrest and detention of Stanley Ndawula, the proprietor of Investigator News and his reporter Robert Ndawula by Police.
Stanley has particularly been criticised by the Police leadership in the past especially over his investigations and reports into the killing of former Police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi earlier in March this year. The Investigator has also covered extensively the recent arrest of senior police officers by the Chieftancy of Military Intelligence over various crimes. It has been alleged that some of the arrested police officers have also been linked to the murder of Kaweesi.
OMPA is loose body bringing together the non 'traditional' (mainstream) online media houses.
Uganda Police Force has detained Stanley Ndawula, the proprietor of Investigator News and Robert Ndawula, a reporter of the same online media house.
The duo was arrested on Tuesday night after being interrogated at Police’s Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Department (CIID).
Online Media Publishers Association has been informed that Stanley and Robert are being held on charges related to Offensive Communication under the Computer Misuse Act.
Stanley, who has previously criticized the police leadership, alleges some powerful officials in the law enforcement body, want him remanded at Luzira Prison.
He further states he was provided documents to sign for police bond which was not granted to him before being driven to Kiira Road Police Station in Kampala where he is incarcerated.
We condemn the arrests of Stanley Ndawula and Robert Ndawula. Other journalists who appeared at the police station to check on Stanley were also asked to record statements.
We call on Police authorities to stop this arbitrary harassment of journalists and respect freedom of the press, as called for in the country's constitution.
When the public’s right to know is threatened, and when the rights of free speech and free press are at risk, all of the other liberties we hold dear are endangered.
A free press is the cornerstone of democracy. We need a free press. We must have it.
We demand Police to always be mindful of Article 20 and Article 221, which require that all organs and agencies of government including security organizations and all persons must observe, uphold and respect human rights and freedoms in the performance of their functions.
OMPA is currently in talks with relevant authorities to secure the journalists’ unconditional release from detention.
Giles Muhame,
President, OMPA
Comments
1.That Kawesi was involved in the killing of businessman Wamala.
2. That the police leadership is criminally culpable for the countless crimes all over the country which include but not limited to the killing of their own AIGP Kawesi.
3. That the IGP Kale Kaihura lacks the competence to lead Uganda Police
Instead of detaining this investigative journalist, sane Ugandans would expect a rebuttal from the Uganda Police addressing every single accusation against it.
Short of that the jury is out on UGANDA POLICE and its leadership!